I believe that we need to defend ourselves and our families and our communities. At times that may mean using force and possibly the use of a weapon. If a criminal can have a firearm or another deadly weapon, than so should the rest of the citizens. Having and being able to use a firearm are a Constitutional Right. I don't carry as a result of a specific criminal act and I am striving to keep it that way by carrying a weapon. I don't live or work in a high crime area, or engage in inherently hazardous activities. The odds are great that I'll never have to draw a weapon to defend myself or anyone else. It's just a matter of common sense. I can't control when or where an act of violence may be directed against me or my loved ones. It's a logical act to take measures of self-protection. In the grand scheme of things, it costs me very little to be prepared, but the cost of failing to do so is incredibly high. Handgun Laws Certified Firearm Instructors Bill & Ray Barthold are instructors around the Thief River Falls, MN, area. Permit to Carry Training by Bob Amey from Hudson, WI.